The Gombe State Executive Council, presided over by Governor Muhammadu Yahaya, has approved the draft 2026 budget.
Under the draft budget, the state government approved over N6.5 billion for critical infrastructure projects across sectors like governance, education, security, and emergency services.
Briefing journalists after the council meeting, the Commissioner for Information and Culture, Mijinyawa Tilde, confirmed that the budget proposal will be presented to the Gombe State House of Assembly on Thursday.
She also announced the establishment of a state primary healthcare leadership challenge steering committee aimed at strengthening accountability and efficiency in the state’s healthcare delivery system.
The Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Salihu Alkali, said the 2026 budget proposal reflects extensive citizen engagement and consultations designed to ensure the fiscal plan addresses public priorities.
“The draft budget reflects the collective aspirations of our citizens, in line with Governor Inuwa Yahaya’s vision.
“It incorporates deliberations from council members to align government spending with development needs,” Alkali stated.
On the health front, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Habu Dahiru, said the new steering committee will enhance leadership and performance in primary healthcare administration.
Read Also:
- Uphold APC’s principles of service delivery, good governance, Gombe gov tells Aiyedatiwa
- Gombe begins staff verification to build digital workforce database
- Executive council approves N682 million for Gombe varsity lecturers
He recalled that Gombe State was recognized in 2024 as the most innovative state and second-best overall in the national leadership challenge initiative, earning a $400,000 grant.
“This committee will strengthen our health governance structure and ensure better service delivery from the grassroots to the state level,” Dr. Dahiru added.
In the area of infrastructure, the Commissioner for Works, Housing and Transportation, Usman Kallamu, announced several key approvals, including N1.337 billion for the construction of a new deputy governor’s office near the Government House, at the site of the old Gombe Jewel Suites.
He further disclosed that N3.515 billion has been approved for the completion of five mega colleges across the state.
The original ₦3 billion approved in 2020 was reviewed upward due to design upgrades, expansion to accommodate more students, and inflationary trends.
To enhance emergency response capacity, the council also approved N1.275 billion for the construction of a modern Gombe State Fire Service headquarters, equipped with contemporary facilities.
“The establishment of a befitting fire service headquarters will improve emergency response, safeguard lives and property, and boost urban safety,” Kallamu said.
Additionally, N461.8 million was approved for a new, upgraded divisional police station in the Shehu Abubakar District, designed to meet modern policing standards as part of the administration’s urban renewal agenda.
Meanwhile, the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Zubair Umar, addressed issues relating to recent tensions between some residents and security agencies.
He reaffirmed Gombe’s reputation as one of Nigeria’s most peaceful states, attributing this to proactive governance and community cooperation.
“His Excellency will not tolerate harassment or intimidation of security agents performing lawful duties,” Umar cautioned, urging citizens to continue supporting law enforcement to preserve peace and stability.
